Is Racing BMX An Expensive Sport?

Racing BMX is a far more organised sport than its more impromptu 'stunts and tricks' based cousin, freestyle BMX. It also has formal guidelines on aspects such as appropriate clothing and protective gear. For those looking to get into racing BMX however this does not however necessarily imply a high financial outlay.

Racing BMX involves riders competing against each other for speed over formally designated short distance race tracks. All race meetings are carried out under the authority of British Cycling. Although British Cycling lays down some guidelines for local BMX racing clubs to follow, these are not particularly onerous.

There is no particular BMX bike specification, for example, although there are certain stipulations such as the removal of chain guards and stunt pegs. In practice, however, most riders will be seeking to buy a specialist racing BMX bike: one that is sufficiently lightweight to enable the rider to rapidly pick up speed, yet robust enough to survive a BMX sprint and any possible falls or collisions. Provided the rider goes to a reputable BMX shop, however, he or she is still likely to find a reasonably cheap BMX racing bike from a top brand name.

Likewise, clothing and protective gear requirements are again restricted to the minimum for rider safety. These include a proper full-face protection helmet, reasonably protective full-length trousers and a hard-wearing long-sleeved top. Again, a reputable BMX shop will be able to offer cheap BMX protective gear suitable for any eventuality on the race track.

As riders become more successful there may also be an imperative to take with them some essential parts and tools for on-the-spot repairs. These however can also be relatively inexpensive.